Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026
Members of the West of England Women’s Commission marked International Women's Day 2026 with events across the region.
Marked globally on 8 March every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a not only a celebration of the social, cultural and political achievements of women - but it is also a reminder of how much further we have to go.
Each year there’s a theme to focus attention, this year's is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls." A call to action that resonates loudly across our region. Here are some of the highlights of this year’s programme.
IWD26 in Bath
West of England Women’s Commission Chair Penny and Commissioner Dine Romero attended a special ‘Women Who Dared’ walking tour of the city with The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides on 6 March, while there was a panel discussion at Bath & West Showground.
The University of Bath is running a series of events throughout March, including a speed mentoring event connecting women across higher education, and a guided tour of artist Chantal Meza's "State of Disappearance" exhibition, which explores the disappearance of women in Mexico, followed by networking and refreshments. Get involved.
It has also collated a series of significant research pieces from female academics into a blog - topics include the ‘manosphere’, human rights abuses and the impact of the Sex Discrimination Act. Read more here.
IWD26 in Bristol
As always, Bristol Women's Voice - which sit on the West of England Women’s Commission - has organised a free day-long celebration at Bristol City Hall on Saturday 7 March. Members of the commission joined to speak on panels and attend over 50 talks, workshops and activities. Topics aligned with the focus of the Commission including women's health and tackling misogyny to climate, entrepreneurship and AI.
And, on 11 March UWE Bristol is holding a one-day conference. Bringing together powerful voices, research, creativity and lived experience across the University under the theme ‘Women’s Health; spanning physical, mental, social, historical and workplace health’, it comprises talks, workshops, creative sessions, historical insights, research spotlights and panels happening in parallel across multiple rooms.
Rights. Justice. Action for All
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: “Violence is rising, including online. Backlash is organized and well resourced. Rights are being reversed in real time and at unprecedented speed. Impunity is spreading, in homes, online, and in conflicts.
“International Women’s Day 2026, under the theme Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls, must be our collective turning point. We must stand up, show up, and speak up, for rights, justice, action, so all women and girls can live safely, speak freely, and exist equally.”
Penny added: “West of England Women’s Commission is dedicated to improving things for women and girls across the region and we will, on International Women’s Day, and every day bringing people together in pursuit of women’s equality.”